The cost of the continuing search in mid Wales for missing April Jones could be as much as £2.4m.

The five-year-old was last seen playing out on her bike close to her home in Machynlleth on the evening of October 1, more than 11 weeks ago.

Dyfed Powys Police Superintendent Ian John, who is heading the search, has said it will continue on the same scale and with equal numbers into the new year, although there will be a break over the Christmas period.

Police will continue the search into the new year

The police force has confirmed that it lodged an application for a special grant to cover the exceptional expense of the search.

The Home Office has agreed to give the force the money it needs, up to £2.4m, subject to it being scrutinised in detail.

"The investigation is ongoing but the anticipated costs are expected to be in the region of £1.8m - £2.4m," said a Home Office spokesman. "The grant is subject to receiving final costs which will be scrutinised by HMIC after which a final decision will be taken."

April's parents Coral and Paul Jones spoke last week of their intense pain at realising they will never see their daughter alive again.

Finding her body would allow her family and the greater community some form of closure.

Mark Bridger, 46, has been charged with the murder of April. He is also accused of child abduction and perverting the course of justice.

He is due to appear at Caernarfon Crown Court on January 11 for a plea hearing.